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Joint Decision Logging

Joint Decision Logging

Recording the decisions made at an incident informs debriefing, inquiries and helps to identify lessons for future learning.

Where commanders work together and make joint decision, they are responsible for recording those decisions in a joint decision log. This should include the time and date the entries were made.

Below are some best practice guidelines when making entries in a decision log:

The log should be CIA – Clear, Intelligible, Accurate

The log should be kept electronically or written in ink

Enter information at the first reasonable opportunity. If there is a delay of more than a few minutes, a short explanation of the reason should be included

Record all of the decisions and actions taken and the reasons for making them. This may be important at a later date

Record all questions and answers and any non-verbal communications. Note facts and not your interpretation of them

Don’t erase mistakes. Rule through them with a single line and initial them. Don’t overwrite or write above them

Don’t leave blank space. Unused space at the end of lines should be ruled out with a single line. Unused space at the end of a page should be ruled through with a diagonal line, initialled and the date and time added.

You can download a copy of an example Joint Decision Log template here.

It is now imperative for the emergency services and other organisations involved in emergency response, to embrace and integrate JESIP until staff follow the principles and use the models as a matter of course in the early stages of an emergency.